Blindness and low vision skills training for independence
How we can help
Our team offers training on how to live with blindness or low vision. The skills we teach can help you feel confident and independent in your home and community.
Daily living skills training
We teach you different ways of doing things so that you can continue to participate in everyday life, like:
- Doing laundry
- Cooking meals
- Cleaning kitchen counters
- Paying bills
- Reading books and mail
- Shopping at grocery stores
- Playing cards with friends
- Watching your favorite TV shows
Communications skills training
We help you stay connected with loved ones and current events by teaching you how to:
- Use phones and computers to stay in contact with family and friends
- Access media, entertainment, and the news
Orientation and mobility skills training
We help you learn to get around your home, neighborhood, and community safely and independently. Our orientation and mobility instructors can teach you how to:
- Know where you are in your home using sounds or feeling with your hands and feet
- Avoid bumping into objects by holding onto a friend or family member’s arm
- Use a long cane to walk around your neighborhood on your own
Assistive technology training
We teach you how to use tools that can help with your day-to-day activities. Visit our aids and devices page to learn more.
Help with emotionally adjusting to vision changes
You may feel sad, fearful, or angry as you lose vision. We allow you to talk through these feelings to adjust to the changes in your vision. Please note that this is not crisis counseling or mental health therapy.
Information and referrals for other resources
We share information and provide referrals to resources, programs, and benefits for people with vision loss. These include talking book libraries and door-to-door bus services (also known as paratransit).
Services we do not offer
We cannot provide:
- Financial help with housing
- Caregiving
- Chore services
For more information on these resources, contact your local Area Agency on Aging through the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration website.
Get help with learning blindness or low vision skills
We offer free help so you can adapt to vision loss in your home and community. To get started, contact us using one of the methods below:
- Request services online
- Email info@dsb.wa.gov
- Call 800-552-7103
Read the Independent Living Program brochure (PDF) for more information.
Upcoming Events
View upcoming events and contact our team if you'd like to attend!